Paint tray with integrated transport handle

ABSTRACT

A paint tray with integrated transport handle with a frame with a retractable handle. The handle consists of a shaft that retracts and protract from the frame, and a handle part with a built-in cradle to receive and hold a handle stick. The frame has a hook to hold a trimming brush and is rotationally attached at each side of the paint tray.

This application claims priority based on provisional application 60/931,009 filed May 21, 2007

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to tool but more particularly to a paint tray having an integrated handle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The problem with paint trays is that the user has to bend down to pick it up and that is why over the years several inventors came up with handle kits that serve to transport the tray as well as hold the roller's handle and even the trimming brush.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a main advantage of this invention to provide for a tray that has an integrated foldable handle that does not require more storage space, when not in use, than a standard tray.

It has all the features of holding a handle and trimming brush plus adjustable handle height.

In order to do so, the invention comprises a transport handle, a frame with a retractable handle. The handle is further comprised of a shaft that retracts and protract from the frame, and a handle part with a built-in cradle to receive and hold a handle stick. The frame is rotationally attached at each side of the paint tray. A blocking means to hold the frame.

Preferably, the paint tray with integrated transport handle has the frame with has a hook to hold a trimming brush.

The blocking means is comprised of a frame retainer that retains the frame when it is in use.

A stopper and a frictional retainer to hold the frame in a perpendicular configuration in relation to the paint tray when in use.

A channel allows the frame to slide so as to move between storage position and in use position, the channel having a stub which retains the frame to the paint tray.

The invention has a method of use with the following steps: A user pulls the handle which protracts the frame; rotates the frame so as to make it perpendicular to the paint tray and blocks the frame in that configuration by way of the blocking means.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter which contains illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a-c Top, side, and rear, respectively of the invention.

FIGS. 2 a-c Side, detail, and front view, respectively, of the invention in context.

FIGS. 3 a-d Side view with frame upright, detail of blocking means, side views of handle protracted and retracted, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A paint tray (10) with integrated transport handle has a frame (12) with a retractable handle (14) that hides away under the paint tray (10) when not in use. The handle (14) consists of a shaft (16) that retracts and protract from the frame (12), and a handle part (18) with a built-in cradle (20) to receive and hold a handle stick (22). The frame (12) also has a hook (24) to hold a trimming brush (26).

The frame (12) is rotationally attached at each side of the paint tray (10). There is a blocking means (28) which holds the frame (12) into position. The blocking means (28) is comprised of a frame retainer (30) that retains the frame (12) when it is in use, a stopper (32) and a frictional retainer (34) to hold the frame (12) in a perpendicular configuration in relation to the paint tray (10), when in use. A channel (36) allows the frame (12) to slide so as to move between storage position as per FIG. 1 c and in use position as per FIG. 2 a. The channel (36) having a stub (38) which retains the frame (12) to the paint tray (10).

In order to use the paint tray (10), a user pulls the handle which protracts the frame (12). Rotates the frame so as to make it perpendicular to the paint tray and blocks the frame in that configuration by way of the blocking means. Reversing the steps puts the frame (12) back in its not in use configuration.

A hide-away stand (40) is pivotally attached to the sides of the paint tray (10) and is used in staircases (42) and other inclined surfaces. It is “U” shaped to make it easy for deployment.

As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

1. A paint tray with integrated transport handle comprising the handle, a frame with a retractable handle; the handle is further comprised of a shaft that retracts and protract from the frame, and a handle part with a built-in cradle to receive and hold a handle stick; the frame is rotationally attached at each side of the paint tray; a blocking means to hold the frame.
 2. A paint tray with integrated transport handle as in claim 1 wherein: the frame has a hook to hold a trimming brush.
 3. A paint tray with integrated transport handle as in claim 1 wherein: the blocking means is comprised of a frame retainer that retains the frame when it is in use; a stopper and a frictional retainer to hold the frame in a perpendicular configuration in relation to the paint tray when in use; a channel allows the frame to slide so as to move between storage position and in use position; the channel having a stub which retains the frame to the paint tray.
 4. A paint tray with integrated transport handle as in claim 1 wherein: a hide-away stand is pivotally attached to the sides of the paint tray.
 5. A paint tray with integrated transport handle as in claim 4 wherein: the hide-away stand is “U” shaped.
 6. A paint tray with integrated transport handle as in claim 1 having a method of use consisting in the steps of: a user pulls the handle which protracts the frame; rotates the frame so as to make it perpendicular to the paint tray and blocks the frame in that configuration by way of the blocking means. 